Anthony Davis emerging as the last line in Kentucky's top defense

Kentucky basketball freshman Anthony Davis spearheads a defense that's on pace to be UK's statistical best in more than 50 years. You have to go back to the 1956-57 season to find a UK defense that limited opponents to a worse shooting percentage than the current 35 percent, which leads the nation.

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
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On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

On Saturday, January 7, 2011 University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball fans come downtown to Rupp Arena to watch them play against the University of South Carolina Gamcocks in Lexington, KY. Photo by: James L. Taylor
Herald-Leader

Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) was all smiles as he lead all scorers with 20 points as #2 Kentucky defeated South Carolina 79-64 on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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South Carolina Gamecocks forward Anthony Gill tried to stop Kentucky Wildcats guard Doron Lamb (20) on a drive in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) slammed home two pints in the fist half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Marquis Teague (25) drove against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Lakeem Jackson (30) in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) went up against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Lakeem Jackson (30), left, in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) jammed for two of his game high 20 points as #2 Kentucky defeated South Carolina 79-64 on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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South Carolina Gamecocks guard Bruce Ellington (23) hit this "three" over Kentucky Wildcats guard Marquis Teague (25) in the second half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Kentucky won 79-64. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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South Carolina coach Darrin Horn makes a point in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) went up in the paint against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Anthony Gill (13) in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) was squeezed by South Carolina Gamecocks forward Damontre Harris (24), left, and South Carolina Gamecocks forward Malik Cooke (15) in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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South Carolina Gamecocks forward Damontre Harris (24) contested this shot by Kentucky Wildcats guard Darius Miller (1) in the second half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Kentucky won 79-64. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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South Carolina Gamecocks guard Damien Leonard (32) was fouled by a leaping Kentucky Wildcats guard Darius Miller (1) in the second half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. At left is Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis (23). Kentucky won 79-64. Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) is at back right. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari called out the name Darius Miller , imitating a baseball umpire as he was not happy with Millers play as #2 Kentucky defeated South Carolina 79-64 on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) went to the floor for a loose ball as #2 Kentucky defeated South Carolina 79-64 on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) put a shot against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Damontre Harris (24) in the second half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. At left is South Carolina Gamecocks forward Anthony Gill (13). #15 is South Carolina Gamecocks forward Malik Cooke. Kentucky won 79-64. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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as #2 Kentucky played South Carolina on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Eloy Vargas (30) missed this dunk but was fouled on the play. South Carolina Gamecocks forward Anthony Gill (13) tried to defend on the play in the second half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Kentucky won 79-64. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari cheered on a shot by Terrence Jones as #2 Kentucky defeated South Carolina 79-64 on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Doron Lamb (20) went baseline for two of his 10 point as #2 Kentucky defeated South Carolina on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Darius Miller (1) passed out of the lane in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Doron Lamb (20) shot over South Carolina Gamecocks forward Malik Cooke (15) in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Doron Lamb (20) drove the lane against South Carolina Gamecocks forward Damontre Harris (24) in the first half of the University of Kentucky vs. University of South Carolina basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 in Rupp Arena in Lexington. Photo by David Perry | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Darius Miller (1) was presented a game ball by Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari for joining the 1000 point club as #2 Kentucky played South Carolina on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones (3) drained a three pointer in the first half as #2 Kentucky played South Carolina on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky.

Kentucky Wildcats forward Anthony Davis (23) pulled down a rebound in the first half as #2 Kentucky played South Carolina on Saturday January 7, 2012 in Lexington, Ky. Photo by Mark Cornelison | Staff
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Northeast's Alex Poythress looks for an open teammate in the first half. Lafayette hosted Northeast (TN) Saturday, Jan. 07, 2012 at Lexington Catholic Gym in Lexington.

Freshman Anthony Davis spearheads a defense that's on pace to be Kentucky's statistical best in more than 50 years.

You have to go back to the 1956-57 season to find a UK defense that limited opponents to a worse shooting percentage than the current 35 percent, which leads the nation.

South Carolina Coach Darrin Horn, whose team lost at Kentucky last weekend, noted Davis as the key.

"In my mind, he is the most important part of what they do defensively," Horn said Monday on a Southeastern Conference teleconference. "He changes everything for their defense, and he changes everything for you offensively."

As the nation's leader in blocks (4.6 per game), Davis allows his teammates to play better defense, Horn said. Kentucky perimeter defenders need not leave their man to cut off a drive to the basket.

"They're not really help-oriented," Horn said. "They're doing a great job of not getting too extended, and being really solid guarding the basketball. And they don't have to give a lot of help because they've got Anthony Davis back there to clean things up."

Opposing teams are less likely to draw a second defender with a drive and then pass to an open teammate. Davis' shot-blocking presence allows his teammates the option of staying with their men.

"It makes for a pretty difficult combination in terms of scoring the basketball," Horn said.

In 1956-57, UK opponents made only 34.1 percent of their shots. The record for futility in shooting is 24.3 percent in 1948-49.

Davis, who needs 10 more blocks to set a UK single-season record, also leads Kentucky in rebounding (10.6 per game) and steals (23).

"The biggest thing he does for us is, he just plays," Calipari said. "He's not worried about, 'I got to get the ball' all the time. ... 'I'll do what our team needs me to do to win.' "

Calipari likened him to Marcus Camby, an All-America center who led Massachusetts to the 1996 Final Four.

Kentucky's next opponent, Auburn, made even Vanderbilt's defense look good last weekend. Vandy, which went into the game ranked No. 200 in average points allowed (68.1) and No. 225 in opposition field-goal percentage (43.9), won 65-35.

Auburn hadn't scored so few points since a 79-35 loss to Kentucky on Jan. 5, 1951. The Tigers' 27.3 percent shooting led Coach Tony Barbee to say in his post-game news conference, "How can you win with that?"

Auburn, which trailed at halftime by 34 and 19 points in its last two games, is emotionally vulnerable, Barbee said on the teleconference.

"We've got to get back to playing with some confidence," the Auburn coach said. "Right now, our confidence is a little shaken."

Shot selection wasn't the problem, Barbee said. Shot making was the culprit.

"The last two games, we had as good of looks as we've had all year," he said.

When asked about the deflating nature of missing shots, Barbee said, "It can deflate you. But it can't deflate you on the defensive end. And that's what happened."

The numbers are not reassuring. In the NCAA statistics through games of last weekend, Auburn ranked No. 211 in points (66.2) and No. 164 in shooting (43.8 percent).

"We'll just try to stay positive," Barbee said. "Make sure guys understand it's just one game at a time. ...

"We have to get back to playing with confidence. That's the biggest deal."

Strength of schedule

Auburn brings a 10-5 record into the game. But all 10 of those victories came against opponents with a Ratings Percentage Index outside the top 100, according to Collegerpi.com

Eight of the 10 victories came against opponents with an RPI outside the top 200.

Tickets available

The UK-Auburn game is not a sellout. Auburn had several sellouts last season, the first for its new arena (capacity 9,121).